Canadian betting sites

WHEN it comes to the world of online betting, Canada is becoming a big player.

More and more online bookies allow deposits and bets in Canadian dollars and, with the advent of state-run online gambling sites, the popularity of Canadian online gambling is sky rocketing.

But what are all the legal ins and outs when it comes to online gambling in Canada? Who are the best online bookies to bet with in Canada?

We take a look at all the information you need here.

Betting laws in Canada

Canadian online gambling laws are considered a little vague at best. There isn’t any national law legalizing online gambling, however, each state and province has the power to offer online gambling options to its residents. This has led to several states launching their own, Government-run gambling sites.

Despite this quirk in Canadian law, there is technically nothing stopping Canadian citizens from placing bets with off-shore betting companies.

There is a push for national legislation to nationally legalize and licence home-grown betting companies and safe-guard citizens who choose to bet with local and off-shore operators too.

Recommended Canadian online bookies

When betting online in Canada, we trust our action with the following online bookies.

Not only do they offer first time customers an attractive sign up bonus, but they also have a stellar reputation for player safety

William Hill, the global bookmaker powerhouse out of the UK, is available for Canadian punters and provides a wide range of sign-up offers, matching bonuses and more.

Can I claim sign up bonuses and other promotions?

One of the great things about a saturated market place is that the competition requires each bookie to try to entice you to play with them exclusively.

Online bookies first do this with their sign up bonuses. This often come in the form of a matched deposit or free bet or free “cash” in your newly registered account.

There is no provision in Canadian law that makes the acceptance of these deals illegal.

Once the bookies have you with them, they want to continue to receive your business, so they attempt to keep you with them with a constant string of promotions.

These sign up bonuses and promotions are yours to enjoy: one of the benefits of an online bookie.

Popular sports to bet on in Canada

The bookies we recommend have a wide array of markets on sports and racing available to bet on from around the world.

That being said, the following sports/competitions are favourites to bet on in Canada:

NHL: The National Hockey League comprises of 30 teams, seven of which are based in Canada. The NHL regular season begins in October each year and runs through to April. This culminates in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. If you don’t love hockey, there’s a good chance you’re not Canadian.

NBA: The National Basketball Association comprises of 30 teams, only one of which is Canadian – the Toronto Raptors. The NBA regular season runs from October through to April. Then the playoffs get underway to decide which team wins the Larry O’Brien Championship trophy.

NFL: The National Football League comprises of 32 teams, all from the U.S. The NFL regular season consists of each team playing 16 games, running from Labor Day to New Year’s Day. This leads to the playoffs, which culminates in the Super Bowl.

CFL: The Canadian Football League comprises nine Canadian teams. The regular season is 20 weeks long, kicking off the weekend before Canada day and finishing up November. Then the Playoffs get underway for the Grey Cup.

MLB: The Major League Baseball competition comprises 30 teams in North America, one of which is Canadian – the Toronto Blue Jays. The MLB regular season is 165 games long, running from April to October, before playoffs in October and November.

There are also a range of local and international horse races available from day to day for Canadian punters to have a flutter on.

If you don’t already have an account with one of our recommended online bookies, log on now, register and take advantage of their sign up bonuses and start having a punt!